Animal Advocates ask Washington State Lawmakers to Protect Animals at Humane Lobby Day 2011 in Olympia

Washington animal advocates met with state lawmakers in Olympia for Humane Lobby Day 2011 today, and urged support of bills to protect sharks and dogs, and oppose legislation that would harm egg-laying hens. The Humane Society of the United States and PAWS are sponsoring Humane Lobby Day.

Citizens showed their disapproval of SB 5487/HB 1813, egg industry-backed bills designed to codify existing cruel and inhumane standards for egg-laying hens. Citizens rallied in support of SB 5688, a bill that condemns shark finning activities, and criminalizes the practice off the shores of Washington.

“Washingtonians care about the humane treatment of all animals, and do not support shark finning or the egg industry’s veiled attempts to codify their abusive practices,” said Dan Paul, The HSUS’ Washington state director.

Also taking part in the lobby day were representatives from Dogs Deserve Better, a group looking to address continuous chaining of dogs in Washington with HB 1755/SB 5649; and representatives from Save Washington Pets, who have introduced legislation to upgrade animal cruelty laws in Washington with HB 1147/SB 5065. The HSUS supports both measures.

Some citizens met with lawmakers urging them to oppose HB 1124/SB 5356, legislation aimed at resuming the statewide hound hunting of cougars.

In 2010, state legislatures across the country passed 97 new laws for animals. The HSUS works with animal advocates and state legislators to enact laws protecting animals from cruelty, combating animal fighting, halting wildlife abuse and more.

Humane Lobby Day 2011 started at 9 a.m. in the auditorium at the General Administration building on the capitol grounds. Find out more about pending Washington legislation.

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The Humane Society of the United States is the nation's largest animal protection organization — backed by 11 million Americans, or one of every 28. For more than a half-century, The HSUS has been fighting for the protection of all animals through advocacy, education and hands-on programs. Celebrating animals and confronting cruelty — On the Web at humanesociety.org.